The Gaming Giant Hires Apex Legends Lead to Rescue Struggling Action Game Project Ethos

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation continues.